Project 8.5k - The Introduction

If you have read any of my previous posts, you'll know my story and my struggles. And if you haven't - go and have a read right now! But, to catch everyone up: here's me in a quick paragraph:

The name is Meg, a twenty-two young chick that has a bit of a rocky past. I have struggled with self-confidence issues and disordered eating for a large majority of my life, and was diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa in June of 2013, with depression and anxiety labels soon following. My family, therapists, and I really tried to get recovery going with me at home; and we did pretty well until a point. I became stuck, and I needed help. C-ward is the inpatient unit at Christchurch's Princess Margaret Hospital, specialising in the treatment of eating disorders. I was lucky enough to get a bed on the unit several days after needing one, and spent a collective 5+ months on that unit, working on my recovery alongside some bloody amazing individuals doing the same thing. Flash-forward seven years, and I have the best relationship with food and my body that I can recall - now, I'm not saying that it is perfect, or back to "normal", but I am living, thriving, and participating in my life in ways I previously only dreamed of. This has taken years of bloody hard mahi, commitment, and support from my friends and whanau - but I am so blessed and proud to be where I am.

So, now you know me - or at least a bit better than you had. Now onto Project 8.5K and why I am #FEDUP, and why you should be too.

What I failed to mention in that story, is that specialised eating disorder ward I was admitted to, C-Ward, is the only one for the entire of the South Island. Anyone up in Nelson, down to the West Coast and Greymouth, and even further to Queenstown, Dunedin, and Invercargill... they will need to make their way to Christchurch to get the care they desperately need. Often this trip is not made alone - so parents, partners, and loved ones will make the large (and costly!) distance too.

Did I also forget to say that there are only 8.5 beds on C-Ward for the entire population of the South Island of New Zealand? With over 1 million of us on this planet, I have done some quick math:

For every 122,117 people in the South Island, there is one bed available.

I was lucky enough to be that one person for that one bed when I needed it. Not everyone is as lucky, and that is not okay. Specialist care is something that should not be lottery, nor be kept free for the "most severe" of cases - every eating disorder is severe, and no matter your weight, location, age, or body; you should get the care you need and when you need it.

And so Project 8.5k was born. On Saturday, November 30th, this gal is taking part in the Frostbuster 19 - an 8.5km run in rural Methven. I will be running to raise funds to provide the Ward with resources, the patients some aroha, and the staff some appreciation for where they are and the hard yards going on in that place.

I will leave my running journey, and more information on the services and resources the ward provides for the next installments of this series, but for now - I will leave some contact information on where you can donate to my cause, and how to reach out if you or your business wants to get behind me.

If you donate to the give-a-little page - please be sure to write down the name of the person you are donating for. As every name in the comments will be written on my shirt for the race. I will be running for them, and will be damn sure to make them (and you!) proud.

Heres the info:

Donation page: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/fedup-project-85k-for-eating-disorders

Instagram: @rawingmeg

Email: rawingmeg@gmail.com

Facebook: Megan Nelis

Until next time!

- Rawing Meg

xx